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Pure Vanilla Book Review and Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Angela M - Garden Tea Cakes and MeSunday, January 20, 2013

Pure Vanilla by Shauna Server published by Quirk books

A whole book all about Vanilla - from Orchid to extract as the book says. Who would of thought it - vanilla comes from an orchid a fact which I did not know. I never really appreciated the journey a vanilla bean goes through to make it into our bottles of vanilla extract. It really is a lengthy and fascinating process explained in detail in the book.

There is a great range of recipes including both sweet, savoury and drinks too. Immediately from my initial read through I had selected a number of bakes to make:- Vanilla Essence, Vanilla Sugar, Opera Fudge, Ultimate Vanilla Cupcakes and Vanilla Bean Tuiles. Recipes are in American measurements, so you need to use measuring cups as I did or the converter at the back of the book.I have already baked the Big Soft Frosted Vanilla Sugar Cookies, which you can see from the photo above, recipe to be posted later this week. It is definitely a keeper!

There are some great ways to use vanilla to create your very own homemade products, such as vanilla sugar or vanilla extract. Not only do you then end up with a product that you have made yourself but also you can use it for months to come, saving you some pennies along the way.

Would like more of?

I would of loved to have seen photographs of the different stages of the vanilla bean from seed to extract. There was such an interesting chapter on this process, maybe because I am also a gardener I found the growing to ripening story of interest.I personally also find it helpful if all recipes include a photograph, just so I know I am on the right baking path.The thumbs upGreat book and full of ideas and recipes you will want to bake. Leave it on your coffee table no visitor will be able to resist picking it up.Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Simple recipe to create your very own supply of Homemade Vanilla Sugar.

Place 2 cups of sugar into a sealable jar.

Add one vanilla bean split down the middle, shake.

Leave in a cool, dark place for two days.

Remove vanilla bean, Vanilla Sugar now ready for use.

Pure Vanilla is available to buy online, for more information about PGUK Books follow them on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks to PGUK Books who kindly sent me a copy of Pure Vanilla to review, all opinions expressed are my own.

I have never used vanilla pods and would like to have a go with them. In my favour,though, I do always use proper vanilla extract. I think many people who buy vanilla extract have got no idea what they are buying. Often its just been cooked up in a chemical factory. Just because it smells of vanilla doesnt mean to say that its been anywhere near a vanilla plant! Looking forward to a vanilla recipe from you! Linda